If you find yourself saying, “My feet are killing me!” it could be for many reasons: tight shoes, an ingrown toenail, or maybe something you hadn’t considered — a bunion.
Approximately 1 in 5 Americans live with bunions, which are bony protrusions on the big toe joint. Bunions cause an array of unpleasant symptoms, including pain.
At the Foot and Ankle Clinic of MidFlorida, board-certified foot surgeon Dr. Paul Ebanks specializes in diagnosing and treating bunions and other foot conditions. The minimally invasive treatment options Dr. Ebanks offers utilize cutting-edge techniques, freeing you from pain and mobility limitations. Find out more below about bunions and your minimally invasive options for treatment.
Bunions develop most frequently when something puts pressure on your big toe joint — think sky-high heels or shoes with narrow toe boxes and flimsy arch support.
Bunions can also develop as a result of genetics or past foot injuries (such as from playing sports). Abnormal foot mechanics that cause bone separation and overgrowth, work that requires you to stand for long periods, and an inflammatory condition like rheumatoid arthritis all contribute to bunion formation as well.
Though a lucky few may not experience pain with bunions, most people notice:
A bunion can also cause other foot problems as it progresses, such as hammertoes (tight, “locked” toe tendons and joints) and ingrown toenails.
When bunion symptoms are mild, Dr. Ebanks may suggest conservative treatment options to prevent progression, such as:
Dr. Ebanks also performs two minimally invasive corrective bunion surgeries.
During a bunionectomy, Dr. Ebanks cuts your big toe bone to bring your foot into better alignment. Smaller incisions mean less bleeding, scarring, and pain, as well as a quick recovery.
Traditional bunionectomy has a lifetime recurrence rate of about 20%.
This technique addresses the core challenge caused by a bunion, which is a shaky foundation in the foot (not unlike an unstable building). Instead of removing excess bone, this surgery involves the placement of strong titanium fillings to stabilize your foot’s foundation.
Lapiplasty also offers other significant benefits:
You can be a candidate for this procedure even if you’ve had traditional bunion surgery.
A severe bunion, or one that’s progressing quickly, poses real challenges that undeniably affect your quality of life. To learn more about your bunion treatment options, call our Sebring office at 863-382-1570 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Ebanks, or reach out to us online.
